Monroe's ChildrenWillie Markham ~ Child 91888-1971

William "Willie" Louis Markham was the 9th child of Monroe Markham and his wife Mary. He was almost a Christmas baby, born 23 Dec 1887, at home in Caseyville, Lincoln County, MS.

Like many of his siblings, he remained home until marriage when he married Fredonia Culver in an almost Christmas wedding on 30 Dec 1913. He was 26 years old.

The young couple experienced heartache starting their family. They lost 2 boys. Archie Gilchrist born, in 1914, lived almost two months dying of pneumonia. Unnamed male born in 1915 only lived a few days. According to his death certificate, there was "no physican for this child, but think from history was not right when borned."

. The couple had four healthy, thriving children: Joyce Mae born 1918, Willie Mae born 1919, Robert Winfield born 1922, and Arthur Whitfield born 1920. Three of the children moved to California, one remained in Mississippi. All the children are now deceased.

How did Willie provide for his family? In 1920, the census records described his job as a furrier, one who makes, alters, repairs and restyles garments and other articles made of fur. He was working for a wage in 1930, driving a truck for a wholesale grocery. By 1940, he was an operator working his own account, and in 1950 he was a dishwasher at the City Baker. By the time I got to know him, the family described what he did as a gardener.

Willie was a tall, friendly uncle who could read and write. He owned his own home and a few acres of land. He lived next door to his sister Beatrice. My child's mind of Willie's house was that it was a huge wood frame, white washed house with a high roof and steeped steps. The house had a screened in porch where they hung pieces of meat. Uncle Willie owned a piano and from time to time we could hear him playing familiar hymns when we visited his sister Aunt Bea.

Uncle Willie and his family welcome their relatives from rural Mississippi communities who wanted to complete their high school education in the city of Brookhaven. Cousin Allie spoke often about sharing a bed with her two cousins Joyce and Willie Mae.

Willie died in 1971, and his wife Fredonia died in 1977.

Willie's Obituary
Fredonia's Obituary

Mary Markham Lively 1900-1985

Mary was a member of the Order of Eastern Star in Chicago. Here she is at one of the organization's events.

How does Mary connect to my family?
Mary was the daughter of James Markham and Anna Culver.
James and my grandmother, Alice Markham Marshall, were siblings.

The photograph is courtesy of Marianne Culver.

Monroe's Children James Markham - Child 1

My great grandparents Monroe and Mary Byrd Markham had a total of 17 children, who were born between 1872 thru 1903. Here is a sketch of the life of their first child, James Markham

James was born 12 Nov 1872, in Caseyville, Lincoln County, Mississippi. His parents had been free for almost eight years. Reconstruction was nearing an end and Ulysses S. Grant was President. His parents were living on the Prentiss Buie's place, the same land where his father had been enslaved.

Both of the grandfathers were named James, the likely reason for the first born son's name.

He was known as a well to do Negro. He was a farmer and preacher who owned his own land and was self-sufficient. He was described as a tall, dark, slender man.

James was first documented on the 1880 census, first seen as an eight-year-old in the household of his parents Monroe, Mary, and three siblings. He was in school and is named on the 1885 and 1892 educable children lists.

Anna Culver Markham

He married Anna/Annie Culver in 1895 when he was 17 years of age. She was the daughter of Daniel W. Culver and Margaret Ross. Together the couple had 2 sons and 5 daughters. Census records indicate that James, his wife, and children were all literate.

He was last seen in the 1930 census, 50 years old, the only man in a household of women. Anna was 54 years old, and daughters Bessie, Elizabeth, Theodosia, Alberta and granddaughter Earline were in the home. James' son Asirah was deceased. The oldest daughter Mary was living in Chicago with her brother James Monroe. Both had good jobs, James was a Pullman Porter and Mary was a beauty culturist.

James died in 1936 of pernicious anemia. This type of anemia occurs when the body can’t absorb enough vitamin B-12, which is needed to make healthy red blood cells. His wife Anna remained in Caseyville.

By 1940, The widowed Anna was the head of the household which included her daughter Elizabeth, and brother Memphis Humphreys. All the other children were married, living in or near Chicago. Elizabeth would go to be with her siblings after her mother's death in 1952.

James and Anna's children were:

James Monroe Markham, 1897-1985
He married Ida May Thomas and Mildred Weathersby. He lived in Chicago and was a Pullman Porter. He had two children, Earline and Felix James.

Mary 1900-1985
She married Wallace Young and Jay Livey. Mary was a beautician. She did not have children.

Asirah 1905-1923
He died tragically of an accidental self inflicted gunshot wound. He did not have children.

Bessie 1906-1996
Bessie married Earnest L Holloway. Their children were Edith Mae, Annie Pearl and Mary L.

Elizabeth 1908-1989
She did not marry nor had children.

Theodosia 1912-1960
She married Tolson Culver. Their children were Samuel McThay, James Oliver, Patricia Ann, John Douglas, and David M.

Alberta Markham 1913-2006
She married Joseph McCrory. Their children were Mary, Odia, Otis, Osizy, Robert, Olivia, and Lois.

Sunday Obituary Allie Mae Markham Moncrief 1911-2016

Mrs. Allie Mae Markham Moncrief was born September 29, 1911, to the late Octavius and Mamie Culver Markham in Caseyville, MS. She was the third of seven children. She first professed her faith in Christ as a young child by joining the Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church in Caseyville, MS.

Later in her young life she moved from Caseyville to Brookhaven, MS in order to pursue a better education and she did so by finally graduating from Alexander High School in 1939. After graduating, she spent a brief period of time in New Orleans, LA. She then relocated to Youngstown, Ohio where she met and married the late John H. Moncrief in 1955. During her time in Youngstown, Ohio her chosen profession was that of an insurance salesperson. She went about performing her duties very enthusiastically, and she had a deep passion for doing her job well. After John retired from the steel mill in the late 1970's, they moved to his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. After John's death in the early 1980's, Allie Mae returned to Brookhaven, MS. She then joined St. Paul M.B. Church where she served faithfully until her health began to decline. She has always said, "God has been present in my life, all of my life!!".

Mrs. Allie Mae departed this life one day before her 105th birthday at Whispering Pines Hospice Home in Ridgeland, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings: Eva J. Markham, Larry David Markham, the twins Louvella and Louvenia Markham, Earlie Markham, and Marilda L. Diggs. She leaves to cherish her precious and fond memories one nephew, James Earl Diggs, Sr. and his wife, Fannie, of Brookhaven, MS; one great nephew James Earl Diggs, II and his wife, Markita, Of Prince George, VA; one great niece, Kishara M. Diggs of Pearl, MS; two great, great nieces, Alexis and Kyah, one great, great nephew, Alexander, along with many other relatives and friends.

Other Posts about Cousin Allie
Allie Mae's Birth
First Day of School - 1916
Allie's Education - Getting the Sheepskin
His Banner Over Me Was Love
A Living Treasure
Happy 100th Birthday
Happy 103rd Birthday

How does Allie connect to my family tree?
Allie's father, Octavis Markham, and my grandmother Alice Markham Marshall were siblings.

Lamar Smith's Wife Annie

Lamar Smith and Wife Annie Clark Holloway Smith
Brookhaven, MS
Photograph from Mary Byrd Markham Photograph Collection

Annie's husband Lamar was murdered on the crowded lawn of the Lincoln County courthouse, on 13 Aug 1955, for encouraging African Americans to vote by absentee ballot.

Finding a woman's maiden surname can be confusing if the woman has unknown marriages. What was the maiden surname for Lamar Smith's wife Annie? Take a look at what was found.

Annie was born, Jan 1890, to George Clark and Delphinia Culver. In 1900, ten years old Annie was living with her parents, widowed sister Lizzie Lyons and her two children. Annie could read and write, and the family lived on a rented farm in Caseyville, Lincoln County, Mississippi.

Annie was a Christmas bride. She married Lee (Leiguil) Holloway, 24 Dec 1908, in Lincoln County. In 1910, the young couple rented farm land from Lee's parents, George and Manda Holloway. A son, Willie, was born to the couple on 22 May 1912.

Lincoln County Marriage Records - Book 8C, Page 161

The marriage ended before the beginning of the next decade, how, I don't know. A death certificate for Lee was not found.

Anna Holloway married Lamar Smith, 26 Oct 1919, in Lincoln County after he was discharged from service in World War I. Lamar and Annie were living alone in 1920, still in Caseyville, on land they owned and farmed. The family remained in Caseyville through 1940 per census records.

Lincoln County Marriage Records - Book 13C, Page 4

In the couple's 1930 household was his brother Martin, the couple's 2 years old daughter Earline. By 1940, 8 years old daughter Lola Mae was now a member of the household.

The couple remained together until his death. Annie died 27 Jun 1984. They both are buried in the Mount Carmel Cemetery of Caseyville, MS.

Thank You, Willie

Mary Wears a Hat

1900-1985
Daughter of James & Anna Culver Markham
Wife of Jay Lively & Wallace Young

Mary was born 26 May 1900. The 1900 census records her as a 1 month old baby in the household of her parents, James and Anna Markham, with older brother James Monroe. They were living in Caseyville near Mary's grandparents Monroe and Mary Markham, uncle Grant Markham and other relatives. They were still in the same community by 1920. The family had grown to include Mary and her siblings: James Monroe, Asriah, Bessie, Elizabeth, Theodosia, and Alberta.

The 1930 household of Mary's parents were reduced by three. Asriah died of a accidental gunshot wound on 1 Apr 1923. Mary and brother James Monroe were a part of the Great Migration. The two moved to Chicago where James Monroe was a Pullman Porter and 29 years old Mary was a beauty operator, working in a beauty parlor. In Nov 1930, Mary married Jay Lively.

By 1940, Mary and Jay Lively were listed as lodgers in Chicago. Mary continued her career as a beauty operator and Jay was a porter in a department store. Jay died in Dec 1945. Back home in Caseyville, Mary's father had died, and her mother Anna, sister Elizabeth were living on the old homestead. All of the siblings, except Alberta, migrated from Mississippi.

Mary 2nd husband was Wallace Young. At the time of her death, Mary was using the Lively surname. Mary died 27 Mar 1985, in Chicago.

Photograph Courtesy of Marianne Culver

How does Mary connect to my family?
Mary's father, James Markham, and my grandmother Alice Markham Marshall were siblings.

Three Brothers Married Three Sisters

Archie Hilliard
Born about 1874

Three brothers married three sisters. The brothers were the sons of Alexander Hilliard and Leitha Culver. The sisters were the daughters of James Coleman and Mary Ann Markham. They were born and raised in Lincoln County, Mississippi.

The three couples produced 25 double first cousins.

Archie Hilliard, Sr., (1874-1960), married Lucy Coleman (1874-1942), 13 Dec 1895, in Lincoln County, MS. Their children were: Archie, Jr., Lamar, Edward, Grover, Bessie, Lessie, Deforest, Jessie Mae, and Beasley.

John Hilliard (1870 - ?), married Levanna Coleman (1876 - ?), 12 Dec 1895, in Lincoln County, MS. Their children were: Ontee, Anna/Amizone, James, Gertrude, Mary, and Artimessia.

Versie Hilliard (1879 - ?), married Mary Coleman (1884 - ?), 13 Dec 1900, in Lincoln County, MS. Their children were: Estelle, Lucille, Luther, Versie, Jr., Garvey, Alma, Clifton, Marion, Mildred, and Mary.

Photograph Courtesy of Cherri Herring

How do the couples connect to my family tree?
The sisters' mother, Mary Ann Markham Coleman, and my great grandfather Monroe Markham were siblings.

Sunday Obituary Claudine Culver Aultmann 1921-1985

Mrs Claudine Culver Aultmann was the second of four children born to the late Grover C Culver and Mrs Kathleen T Culver. She was united with Kynett United Methodist Church at an early age and continued in the service of the Lord and humanity throughout her life.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Rudolph V Aultmann on June 24, 1956. Their only daughter preceded her in death.

She was a graduate of Alexander High School and Jackson State University.

Claudine taught in Brookhaven Separate School District for seventeen years. She served as a Buyer of Grain for the state of Illinois Agriculture Department. She was Librarian for Oakley Training School, Raymond, Mississippi, for sixteen years.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and educatoe, an affilate of Gamma Beta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a compassionate family member, devoted church member and a light to the lives she touched.

She leaves to cherish sweet memories: a loving and devoted husband, Rudolph V Aultmann; a mother, Mrs Kathleen Culver; one foster son and daughter, James and Janet Fason, Indianapolis, Indiana; five granddaughters, Tiffany Nicole Stamps and Katrina Deanna Stamps, Jackson, MS; Rane, Michelle and Jamie Fason, Indianapolis, Indiana; one sister abd two brothers, Mrs Lyntine Lenoir and Sterling E Culver, both of Brookhaven, Mississippi; John A Culver, Prentiss, Mississippi and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives , and friends.

How does she connect to my family
Claudine's sister, Lyntine Culver, married Lamar Lenoir, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed

Photograph used with permission from
Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 South Jackson Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369
http://llf.lib.ms.us/index.htm

Lyntine Irene Culver Lenoir

1919-2004 Lyntine was a graduate of Alexander High School, Alcorn State University and Tuskegee Institute. She taught special education in Chicago and in Mississippi: Columbia, Hattiesburg, Clarksdale, Brookhaven, and Port Gibson.

She was born in Lincoln County, Mississippi, to Grover Cleveland Culver and Kathleen Thompson. In 1942, she married maternal cousin Lamar Lenoir. The couple enjoyed over 50 years of marriage.

Lyntine's Obituary

Photograph Courtesy of
Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 S. Jackson St
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369

Many Rivers to Cross Flora's Mama Born in Africa

THE AFRICAN AMERICANS: MANY RIVERS TO CROSS
The Black Atlantic (1500-1800)- Episode 1

"Through stories of individuals caught in the transatlantic slave trade, we trace the emergence of plantation slavery in the American South."
PBS African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross

The Atlantic slave trade or transatlantic slave trade took place across the Atlantic Ocean from the 16th through to the 19th centuries. The transatlantic slave trade was responsible for the forced migration of between 12 - 15 million people from Africa to the Western Hemisphere. The vast majority of slaves transported to the New World were Africans from the central and western parts of the continent, sold by Africans to European slave traders who then transported them to North and South America.

The slave trade not only led to the violent transportation overseas of millions of Africans but also to the deaths of many millions more. Nobody knows the total number of people who died during slave raiding and wars in Africa, during transportation and imprisonment, or in horrendous conditions during the Middle Passage, the voyage from Africa to the Americas.

The kidnapping of Africans occurred mainly in the region that now stretches from Senegal to Angola.

Major Slave Trading Regions of Africa

Getting my people to the last farm, plantation before they arrived in Mississippi has been my genealogical goal. I didn't put much thought of tracing them back to Africa, until I saw this 1880 census entry for Flora Culver; I then realized it was possible. The first time I saw this census, I starred at the screen, ran my finger across her name to the word Africa.

1880 Federal Census - Caseyville, Lincoln County, MS - Beat 5 - Page131
Flora Culver was 95 years old living in the household of farmer James A Decell
and his family. She was born in Virginia and both parents were born in AFRICA.

I have often wonder about Flora's mama. How old was she when she first arrived in America? Was she as young as the 10 year Priscilla mentioned in the first episode? Was she a teenager?

Prior to arriving in Mississippi, Flora was the slave of Malcolm "Saddler" McNeill of Robeson County, North Carolina. After the death of Malcolm McNeill in 1833, Flora was given to Malcolm's son John David McNeill. John left NC, for Mississippi, between 1836 and 1838, bringing his slaves with him including Flora and her three sons, Daniel, John, and Robert. Flora's daughters remained in North Carolina. John McNeill settled in Caseyville, MS, with his slaves.

Flora was described as an "old woman" on the John McNeill's 1858 inventory listing of slaves, valued at $10. Based on the 1870 and 1880 census records, Flora was born between 1785-1790. Her first child was born in 1815. Going back one generation, 20 years, I estimate Flora's mama was born about 1770. Flora's mama was a child when she arrived in America.

Close your eyes, take yourself back to your child self. Try to imagine the horrific conditions, depravity, the loneliness. Take a moment to remember those young females who were forced immigrants to this county. Remember their strength.

Flora's mama is a direct ancestor of a set of my mother's 1st cousins.
African Americans- Many Rivers to Cross Bloggers
Images from Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Private John Culver of the 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry

Sunday Obituary Priscilla Culver Humphrey 1895-1987

Mrs. Priscilla Culver Humphrey, daughter of the late Mr. Sol and Francis Prenell Culver was born February 24, 1895 in Franklin County.

She confessed Christianity at an early age and united with the Galilee A. M. E. Church, and served faithfully. She later moved her membership to Triumph Church where she served faithfully. She was married to the late Mr. John Humphrey.

She departed this life July 4 1987 in King Daughter's Hospital, Brookhaven, MS. She leaves to mourn her passing a loving daughter, Sally Robinson, one son Rufus Humphrey, both of Brookhaven, MS. One stepson, Luther Humphrey of Homestead Florida. One son preceded her in death. Thirteen grandchildren, thirty-nine great grandchildren, one sister Sara Effern, three daughter-in-laws Cloratee Humphrey, Ada Humphrey, Rose M. Humphrey, two brother-in-law Willie Humphrey, Phillip Wesley, two sister-in-law Allie Mae Humphries and Alice Wesley. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Obituary Courtesy Robin Diane Hunter and Velma Markham Hunter
Photograph Courtesy of Nathaniel Thomas
Members of Priscilla's family, the Culver family, married into my Markham family.

Wordless Wednesday Football Champions 1939

Alexander High School Football Team - Big 8 Champions 1939
Brookhaven, Lincoln County, Mississippi
Cousins

Left to right - front row - George Evans - trainer, Earl Dickson, J.C. Blackwell, Willie McDaniel, Lamar Lenoir, John Dow, Mack Smith - trainer

2nd row - Leroy Wilson, John Collins, Joseph Levi, Leander Wells, Willie McGee, David Crump, James Crump

3rd row - Robert Wesley, Edward Spencer, Frank Cook, David Smith, Murray Crushon, Roscoe Brown, Jack Evans, Charles Hunter, Robert Green

4th row - Coach Robert Wolf, H.E. Brown - trainer, James Albert Davis, Robert Johnson, Sterling Culver, Gerald Smith, J. May, E.W. Wesley, Woodrow Coleman, Robert Green, Tommy Hill - trainer, and Head Coach C.N. Buchanan, and J.W. McDaniel, J. E. Smith

Photograph Courtesy of Lincoln-Lawrence-Franklin Regional Library
100 South Jackson Street
Brookhaven, MS 39601
601-833-3369

Mary, Mary

Mary Markham
Daughter of James and Anna Markham
My 1st cousin once removed
The name Mary was ranked the number one name for infant girls born between 1900-1959 and it was popular in the 1800s. The Hebrew meaning of the name is rebellion. The full name Mary Markham is common on my tree. When the name Mary Markham comes up in conversation, we refer to them as Monroe's Mary or James' daughter. We distinguish them by their husband or father.

Born with the Name
Mary Ann Markham born 1850 - Daughter of James and Marilda Whitney Markham
Mary Viola Markham born 1868- Daughter of James and Jane McCray Markham
Mary I Markham born 1871 - Daughter of Alexander and Sally Smiley Markham
Mary Markham born 1882 - Daughter of Melvin Wooley and Alice Markham
Mary Jane Markham born 1884 - Daughter of Monroe and Mary Byrd Markham
Mary Markham born 1900 - Daughter of James and Anna Culver Markham
Mary Markham b about 1950 - Daughter of Samuel David Markham, Jr

Mary Jane Byrd Markham
1855-1937
My Great Grandmother
Married Name
Mary Jane Byrd born 1855 - Wife of Monroe Markham
Mary Lyons born 1868 - Wife of Grant Markham
Mary Howard born 1870 - Wife of William Markham
Mary L Thompson born 1901 - Wife of Samuel Markham
Mary White born about 1920 - Wife of Willie Markham
Mary Jacobs born 1922 - Wife of Robert Winfield Markham, Sr

Photographs courtesy of Allie Mae Markham Moncrief and the late Jessie Mae Markham.
Yeah Baby

Sunday's Obituary - Willie Louis Markham 1888-1971

It has been appointed that man must die and often death to judgement, and the Lord has
told us, "To be ye also ready for you know not the hour that the Son of man cometh," and Willie Louis Markham took note of that. He was born to Mary and Monroe Markham on December 23, 1888, in Caseyville, Mississippi.

Years ago he accepted Christ as his personal savior and united with the Zion
Chapel A.M.E. at an early age and married Fredonia Culver. To this union six
children were born of whom three preceded him in death. He later moved near Galilee
A.M.E. and joined. He served as superintendent of Sunday School, class leader, and
sang in the choir.

He later moved to Brookhaven and joined
Bethel A.M.E. Church, where he was a member
for over forty years. He served in various
capacities including Steward and Sunday School
Superintendent. He loved to sing hymns and
enjoyed coming to church until failing health
prevented his doing so.

One of his favorite pastimes was reading
the Bible. He felt he was in close communion with
God when he was reading his holy truths. he
believed that God was just and that God was
fair. he loved his home and he worked hard
to provide for his family; he was a good
husband, a kind father, a quite peaceful
neighbor. But regardless to our worth we
must go. He is survived by his wife, Fredonia,
a daughter Willia Mae Smith and two sons
Robert and Arthur Markham, ten grandchildren,
and one great grandchild. He also leaves three
sisters, one brother and other relatives and
friends.

Funeral held at the Bethel A.M.E. Church in
Brookhaven. Rev. E.J. Billups, officiating
minister. Interment, Carver Heights. Central
Funeral Home handle arrangements.

Uncle Willie loved to play the piano. He lived next door to his sisters and when we went for visits, I remember Uncle Willie playing the piano. Uncle Willie was my mother's uncle.

Obituary and photograph from the personal collection of the late Jessie Mae Markham.

Wordless Wednesday - Willie Louis Markham

b. 23 Dec 1887 - d. Nov 1971
Son of Monroe Markham & Mary Jane Byrd
Husband of Fredonia Culver
Father of Archie, Joyce Mae, Willia Mae, Robert, and Arthur

Willie was my grandmother's brother.

Wordless Wednesday - Cousin Theodosa

Cousin Theodosa Markham Culver born 1912 was my mother's first cousin. Theodosa was the daughter of James Markham and Anna Culver. Theodosa married her first cousin once removed Tolson Culver resulting in a family scandal.

James Monroe Markham

Cousin James, born in 1897, was the son of James and Anna Culver Markham, husband of Ida May Thomas, daddy of Felix and Earline. He moved to Chicago after the death of his wife in 1922 where he became a Pullman porter. He died in 1985 in Chicago.

Allie Mae's Birth

Mamie Culver Markham and Evie Markham
My life line in my hand is getting shorter, I won’t be here long is what Cousin Allie Mae said to me the last time we talked. I suppose when you are 98 years young, you know the sand in the upper hour glass is nearing empty. She often greets me by saying I am still here, which I think is a surprise to her that she is still here.

Allie Mae was born to poor parents in the rural south where farming was what most did. Allie’s parents sharecropped before owning their own land. Both parents worked in their rented fields and to make extra money they worked in neighbors’ fields, doing whatever was necessary.

On the morning Allie Mae was born, her father Octavis was raking hay for Prentiss Buie about 2 miles from their home. Prentiss Buie was the last son of the slaveholding family. Octavis and his siblings maintained a relationship with the Buie family throughout their lives.

Octavis Markham
Mamie, Allie's mother, was home with two young children when her labor pains began. Thinking quickly, Mamie sent Evie who was 4 years old with a note to the nearest neighbor, requesting she sends one of her workers to notify Octavis the baby is coming.

Octavis drops his rake and runs home to hitch the horse and wagon, going for the midwife. By the time he gets back with the midwife, the mother and new baby are on the floor welcoming him home. Allie Mae Markham was born September 29, 1911 in rural Lincoln County, Mississippi.

Allie Mae is my mother's first cousin

Treasure Chest Thursday - Living Treasure

Allie Mae Markham Moncrief, a Living Treasure

Cousin Allie Mae is 98 years young. This photo was taken the year she and I met for the first time when she was 88. She is my living treasure with a clear mind and a wonderful memory of details. She was born in 1911 in Caseyville, Lincoln County, MS to Octavis Markham and Mamie Culver.